88+ 2003 Brolio Chianti Classico 7/29/06 ($15)
Color: Deep purple-garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Bright cherry with pistachio and excellent acidity. Rich with oak complementing. (3.0) Body: Good balance of fruit-to-acid-to-oak. Solid middleweight and then some. (3.0) Flavor: Very solid, rich cherry fruit with the healthy dose of oak being more prevalent and a slight bitterness present. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor. The finish has good length, but also more bitterness (combo of oak and alcohol). (2.5)
Overall: Another fine vintage for this wine. I’ve had every vintage going back to the ’97 and they all have been fine. This is probably the most consistent regular CC made and one of the best. I want to give this one a higher score, except for some bitterness and austerity, which may integrate within 1-2 years. It’s not the ’02, which was extra special good due to the declassification of their estate bottling (Castello di Brolio). Nonetheless, the fruit is still rich and sweet with some dusty Tuscan terroir thrown-in to give it character. I really like the sale price too (regularly about $22). (14.0)